Chlorpropamide:
General Information:
- Chlorpropamide is an oral medication belonging to the sulfonylurea class.
- It's used to treat type 2 diabetes by stimulating the pancreas to release more insulin.
- It has a long-acting effect, lasting for many hours.
Risks and Considerations:
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar):
This is the main risk associated with chlorpropamide, especially in elderly patients with reduced kidney function, as mentioned before.
- Other side effects:
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, skin rash, and allergic reactions are less common but still possible.
- Contraindications:
Chlorpropamide shouldn't be used in people with type 1 diabetes, diabetic ketoacidosis, severe liver disease, or hypersensitivity to sulfonylureas.
Alternatives:
If you're concerned about the risks of chlorpropamide, other types of medications for type 2 diabetes are available, such as shorter-acting sulfonylureas, DPP-4 inhibitors, SGLT2 inhibitors, GLP-1 receptor agonists, and insulin.
